Spanish golfer Severiano Ballesteros is in a stable condition after undergoing a third brain operation yesterday.

The 51-year-old, who won three British Opens and two US Masters titles during his career, was operated on in the La Paz Hospital in Madrid.

The golfer was diagnosed with a brain tumor earlier this month after being admitted to the hospital suffering from dizziness. His first operation was on October 14 and he subsequently needed a second intervention after inflammation of the brain caused pressure on his skull.

On Thursday the hospital announced that he would need another operation this Friday because of further inflammation and to remove the remnants of the tumor.

Friday afternoon saw the hospital issue a further communique explaining the details of that surgery and giving an update on Ballesteros' condition.

"He is stable and under control in Intensive Care," said the statement.

"A six and a half hour operation has eliminated the remains of the tumor and fulfilled the initial objectives," it added.